Ahmedzai, S.H., & Boland, J. (2010, April). Constipation in people prescribed opioids. Clinical Evidence, 2407.
To answer the following questions: What are the effects of oral laxatives, rectal preparations, and opioid antagonists for constipation in people prescribed opioids?
The GRADE System was used to evaluate study quality. Full information is available online with a subscription.
The final sample comprised 23 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies. This was an update of a previous review that added 1 systematic review and 5 RCTs, with no change in overall recommendations provided.
Oral Laxatives
Rectal Preparations
Opioid Antagonists
Nurses should be aware of potential implications related to the use of opioid antagonists in controlling constipation for opioid interactions and changes in pain control. In addition, nurses should routinely assess for pain relief, as well as symptoms of constipation, in this patient population.